Left sided insertions require a longer catheter length. You must be assured that the tip is properly located at the CAJ and not higher in the SVC, but that is the same for any insertion site. I have always believed that the side of insertion should be what is best for the patient needs during the dwell. What is their dominant side? What activities will they be doing with the PICC? Will they need the dextrity of their dominant hand to connect,flush, disconnect, etc? With correct tip location and correct catheter stabilization, there should be no greater risk from the left than the right. Lynn
Left sided insertions require a longer catheter length. You must be assured that the tip is properly located at the CAJ and not higher in the SVC, but that is the same for any insertion site. I have always believed that the side of insertion should be what is best for the patient needs during the dwell. What is their dominant side? What activities will they be doing with the PICC? Will they need the dextrity of their dominant hand to connect,flush, disconnect, etc? With correct tip location and correct catheter stabilization, there should be no greater risk from the left than the right. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
126 Main Street, PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861